Context of the project

In Burundi, the Imbo-Nord plain offers a very significant agronomic potential that required a complete overhaul of its hydro-agricultural infrastructures. The approximative 6,000 ha of irrigated land used for rice and market gardening suffered from major malfunctions due to a lack of maintenance over the past 25 years. 

As part of the PAIOSA, which has been funded by the Kingdom of Belgium since 2011, SHER Ingénieurs-Conseils has been entrusted with 5 major assignments aimed at completely rehabilitating the irrigated perimeters of Imbo Nord.

The missions carried out by a multidisciplinary team of around fifteen people (national and international) over 7 years led to the following results: 

  • Summary and detailed preliminary design studies for 5 networks covering almost 5,000 ha. The surrounding areas are irrigated thanks to the border irrigation process 
  • Environmental and social impact assessment 
  • Preparation of tender documents and assistance to the contracting authority in awarding contracts 
  • Supervision and monitoring of the works. The total cost of the works is close to €10 million for a total irrigated area of almost 4,000 ha.

    Finally, to ensure the proper maintenance and sustainability of the hydro-agricultural infrastructures, PAIOSA has carried out social engineering work to create Water Users' Associations (AUE) for the farmers. These associations are responsible not only for managing the networks, but also for collecting water fees, checking the compliance with cultivation calendars, maintaining the facilities, etc.